Ultra-compact six-speed automatic transmission
Developed by the Hyundai-Kia Group for fitment in a wide range of future vehicles, the all-new six-speed automatic transmission now available for the new Kia Sportage is ultra-compact - and can feature a new optional 'paddle shift' system which allows drivers to change gear without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
The driver can choose from two operating modes - fully automatic or 'Sport'. For city driving, fully automatic mode is ideal, while 'Sport' mode allows for clutch-less manual gear changes for greater driver involvement - either using the selector lever or the new steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Whenever the car is stopped for more than a few seconds, the new transmission's innovative 'Neutral Control' function automatically shifts the transmission from 'D' to 'N', improving fuel economy especially in city driving.
See also:
Engine cooling system
The high-pressure cooling system
has a reservoir filled with year-round
antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is
filled at the factory.
Check the antifreeze protection and
coolant level at least once ...
On the Road
During our seat time in and around Seattle, we test drove an EX with the Fuel
Economy Package and an SX version.
We found the EX's 5-speed automatic a bit annoying in its rush to get into
fifth ...
Using four-wheel drive
Driving on snow- or Ice-covered
roads (“4WD LOCK” for
full-time 4WD operation)
• Use snow tires. See “Tires” in this
section for more information.
• Keep an adequate distance
between ...